PhD Studentship: Climate Urbanism, University of Cambridge, UK

Regional Studies Association; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Cambridge offers a fully-funded PhD studentship focused on climate urbanism and sustainability. The role involves exploring social implications of urban sustainability strategies, conducting fieldwork in the UK and South Africa, and employing qualitative methods like interviews and workshops. Interested candidates are encouraged to attend information sessions prior to applying, with a deadline of December 2, 2025.

Benefits

Fully-funded studentship

Co-supervision from experienced faculty

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest or experience in urban sustainability.
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods like interviews and ethnography.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on urban sustainability strategies and their social implications.
• Engage in fieldwork in the UK and South Africa.
• Interact with local institutions for support during research.

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Overview

A fully-funded 3.5 year ESRC PhD studentship on the topic “Climate urbanism: sustainability for the affluent?”. The studentship is part of the CAM-DTP (University of Cambridge/Anglia Ruskin University) and will sit primarily within the Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge, with a secondary affiliation to the Global Sustainability Institute at ARU (Cambridge campus) supported by co-supervision from Prof Rosie Robison.

Research focus

This studentship will explore how current urban sustainability strategies may work to protect privileged groups and promote affluent lifestyles at the expense of marginalised groups. The research will interrogate case studies in the UK and South Africa, with local institutional support provided during fieldwork in South Africa. There is flexibility in the focus and design of the research. For example, applicants can choose particular sustainability sectors and interventions they are interested in as case studies, e.g. transport, energy, water.

• Transport (15-minute cities, cycling, public transport)
• Energy (renewable sources, e.g. solar panels)
• Water (retrofitting houses around greywater reuse, boreholes, storage tanks)

The research will use predominantly qualitative methods (e.g. interviews, policy analysis, workshops, ethnography); however there is flexibility over the precise design.

Affiliations and supervision

Connected with the CAM-DTP and based primarily in the Department of Geography, Cambridge, with a secondary affiliation to the Global Sustainability Institute at ARU (Cambridge campus). Co-supervision from Prof Rosie Robison.

What to expect as part of the application process

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to sign up to attend drop-in sessions. Details below and accompanying guidance on completing an application will be circulated to those who sign up: register your interest in these.

Key dates

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 2 December 2025. Online interviews are likely to take place on 16 January 2026.